HAYWARD LA HONDA MUSIC CAMP
Invite reviews
This music camp changed my life when I was a teenager! I made so many connections and friends, some of whom I remain in contact with today! Now I am a music teacher and I love telling my students exactly which music camp they should attend: Hayward La Honda Music Camp, of course! :)
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
My son had the time of his life attending the La Honda Music Camp for the first time this summer. We had done a lot of research and were seeking a music camp that was professional, enriching, educational, safe, clean, reasonably priced, and most importantly, fun! La Honda far exceeded our hopes. The leadership of the camp is clearly passionate about kids and music as it shows in everything that they do. The staff (and there are lots of them!) are all of the highest caliber and incredibly approachable. The kids seemed to have worked hard and played hard at this tremendous camp nestled in the middle of some truly gorgeous woods. It’s obvious why this camp celebrated its 50th year this summer, it’s amongst the best. Our only regret… not knowing about La Honda sooner! Kudos La Honda – we are already looking forward to next summer.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my son's happy face
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
not change a thing! My son would say, make it even longer.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
How did you find this group?
online
My daughter has gone to Lahonda for the past five years and is signed up for her sixth. She LOVES it. It is a great combination of music, fun and nature. Lahonda is the highlight of her summer. From my perspective the camp is well run, the instructors are professional and I really enjoy picking my daughter up at the end of the week and hearing the all the bands at camp in the concert.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
sending my daughter to camp
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
nothing
Hayward La Honda Music Camp is a special music camp. Not only is the quality of instruction among the top in the state (national award winning classical and jazz instructors), but the staff is very personable. And, it doesn't hurt that the cost of the camp is is fairly modest in comparrison with other camps. One thing that makes the camp very special is the generational element that is present. A number of the campers, after graduating from high school, are interested in becoming counselors for the program; and in turn, the counselors often want to eventually become instructors. This is evident in my situation, as I was once a camper in the 70's, an instructor from 1986-1999, and am now a parent of two high school campers. Eventhough there are other, more "prestigious" camps to attend, I choose to send my kds (and students) to this one - it is "the" one!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
at least knowledgeable (if not expert) about their responsibilities. All very courteous and professional.
Ways to make it better...
the camp was longer, as it used to be in the past.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
My son doesn't get excited about much. His experience at La Honda had changed that. He learned so much in 10 days. He came home with an experience he still talks about today. The instructors came from all over the US. I was amazed to see the dedication from instructors and camp organizers. My son would go every year if I could send him financially.
More feedback...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
All so experienced, talented, and helpful with the youth coming to the camp.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
My son attended this camp several times. He learned more in the time he was there than he did all year at school. The coordinators and staff at this camp really care about the safety and care of the kids attending. Their concert on the last day of camp is outstanding. Overall, a SUPER enjoyable experience for our son. They are trying to keep their costs down to make it affordable, so they do several fundraisers.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my son's improvement playing the saxophone.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the overall experience.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
caring and conscientious.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
help a lot of kids with the art of music.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
After you have grown out of kiddie music camp, Hayward LaHonda is a great step up. This is a camp that balances the music (which is great) with the social which is age appropriate. My kids love(d) it as a great adventure in the fall, the camp they look forward to all high school year long.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Great music, and a great attitude in my kids about making music.
More feedback...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
just great, Go violas, Kate Meyer rocks.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
My son attended a music camp there a couple years ago and had a great experience. It was his first camp trip and he enjoyed it tremendously. He also gained a lot of confidence and made great friendships. As a parent I loved seeing how the high school kids tried to make him comfortable the first day. They had been coming for many years and i heard they kept checking on him during his stay. The staffwas very knowledgeable and the activities were fun and the performance was first rate.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
gaining confidence in playing his instrument in a non competitie setting.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
NA
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the music of course and the setting, in the wild
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
great staff
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
modernize some of the cabins, create more one on one classes and more scholarships
Ways to make it better...
NA
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
recession, the prices are lower than some camps but it is still pricey
One thing I'd also say is that...
NA
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
Last year my son attended La Honda Music Camp for the first time. This was literally a life-changing experience for him. While he has been studying music for a while, it was that experience of making and enjoying music with his peers that really inspired him. Now he is in the 6th grade and is currently playing in 3 orchestras (string orchestra and 7th grade band at school plus Berkeley Youth Orchestra). He converted his room into a music production studio, equipped with a computer and two synthesizers, learned musical score typesetting and is counting days remaining before the 2010 camp. Even more important than music itself, was (in my opinion) how many friends he made in the camp. It was absolutely amazing seeking kids of different ages and backgrounds, some much older than my son being so friendly and nice with him and really enjoying his company, especially since he was considered almost an outcast in his school. I think it boosted his self-esteem enormously and helped him a lot in his transition to the middle school. I could only envy him, because I did not have such an experience when I was a kid myself.
More feedback...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
were absolutely amazing -- so professional and dedicated to music and so loving, so great around the kids
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
offer a lot more, both in terms of longer camp programs which could also be help more often and in terms of reach, allowing many more kids to enjoy the music and improve their skills
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I attended this camp when I was young, and my son has been attending for 4 years! He enjoys playing music with young people who are like him. He says he's made so many friends, and each year marks the calendar for the next as soon as camp dates are announced. The level of instruction and organization of the music leaders is outstanding. The outdoor and social activities, my son says, are also fun. We are from the local area, so he enjoys making others more comfortable in the woods as well. He especially loves the horses, swimming and archery. I had the same experience as my son, and our family can, without hesitancy recommend this fabulous camp. It is not expensive and is a personally rewarding experience for young people, whether beginners or advanced in their music level. Also, all of the campers seem to bond so easily, so new campers really feel welcome.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
that when I was a camper years ago this intensive study and play program, with outdoor fun so inspired me that I excelled in school, music, and all aspects of life. My son is the second generation to attend; he has enjoyed much in the same way I did.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
be assured it will be around for my great, great, great grandchildren and others well beyond. It is worth it!
Ways to make it better...
they could continue to be assured of good funding, so the music camp can offer the great programs/instructors, and the location itself camp can continue to keep the grounds and buildings up.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Filter by reviewer role:
Support This Nonprofit
Help this nonprofit get more reviews
5 tips for getting reviews